Introduction: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a rare condition in high resource settings. Significant urinary incontinence (UI) rates have been reported following VVF closure in low resource setting. We have reviewed our VVF series for anatomical closure and post closure UI rates. Methods: Retrospective review of 132 patients having 1st surgical management of their VVF between 2004-2022. Median age was 51 (16-88) with a median follow-up of 14 months (2-150). Data was collated on demographics, fistula aetiology and characteristics, previous surgery, outcome in terms of anatomical closure and urinary continence, and any requirement for further surgery. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi-squared test, fisher test or students t-test as appropriate. Results: Of the 132 patients identified, 127 (96.2%) had surgery to close their VVF whilst 5 (3.8%) had a primary ileal conduit. Successful anatomical closure was achieved in 118 (93.9%) at 1st attempt. Of the 9 failures, 6 had a 2nd VVF closure attempt, 2 had ileal conduit formation and 1 had recurrent carcinoma and did not proceed to further surgery. Vaginal closure was successful in 95% (97/102) after 1st attempt whilst abdominal closure was successful in 88% (22/25). Of the 6 failures having a 2nd attempt at VVF closure, 3 had an abdominal and 3 had a vaginal approach, with 100% successfully closed. Anatomical closure was confirmed in all patients by cystogram and/or cystoscopy. Of those with successful VVF closure 19 (15.2%) (16 vaginal and 3 abdominal approach) had bothersome post repair UI. This was pre-existing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in 5 (4%), new onset SUI in 8 (6.4%), pre-existing urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) in 1 (0.8%), new onset UUI in 3 (2.4%) and new onset mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in 2 (1.6%). 5 (26.3%) (4 with pre-existing SUI) required surgical intervention for management of their SUI (2 colposuspensions and 3 rectus fascial slings) whilst the patient with pre-existing UUI progressed to sacral neuromodulation, with resolution or significant improvement. The remaining 13 (68%) patients experienced resolution or significant improvement of their UI with conservative measures. Conclusions: Successful anatomical closure of VVF in high resource health care settings can be achieved in 92.9% after 1st repair and 100% after 2nd repair. Post closure bothersome urinary incontinence occurs in 15.2% and resolves with conservative measures in 68%. Surgical interventions for SUI or UUI post closure in 4.8%, with excellent results. SOURCE OF Funding: None
